1973 BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)

Visually indistinguishable from its more 'run of the mill' relations, the CS and CSi, the 3.0 CSL (Coupé Sport Leicht) was creative homologation at its best. Success in motorsport sells cars, and the marketing department's requirements led BMW engineers to develop a limited-production 'homologation special' to meet the constrictive framework of the ‘Group 2’ racing class regulations at the time. By removing the trim and using thinner steel for the main bodyshell; aluminium alloy for the doors, bonnet and, boot lid; and Perspex for the side windows, a valuable 300lbs (136kgs) in weight was saved – 'Leicht' indeed.

Mechanically, these cars were almost identical to the fuel-injected CSi (which meant 200bhp and 140mph plus) but to take it into the over-3-litre class, the engines were bored out slightly to 3,003cc. Equipped with all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front/semi-trailing arm rear), disc brakes and responsive steering, it was wonderfully balanced. Very expensive when new (several hundred pounds more than a 2.7 RS 911) CSLs are now the most highly-coveted BMW of the 1970s with a fabulous competition record.

We understand that only 1,039 CSLs were built in total, with 500 of these finished in right-hand drive for BMW UK.  Although technically an option, we believe that all the UK-cars were fitted with the “City Package” which added a front bumper, electric windows, power steering, a heated rear screen, boot lock, a tool kit and sound deadening, all of which made the car much more civilised but naturally negated a lot of the initial weight loss. This car is one of those 500, and has been enjoyed by just two owners, covering an indicated 55,032 miles, which our vendor believes to be genuine.

The current owner purchased this 3.0 CSL in 2016 in its original colour of green as a restoration project and it was subsequently sent to marque specialists, Classic Cars of Kent, where it spent over a year being completely stripped down and rebuilt with everything both inside and out either being replaced with new or fully refurbished. With the car is a photographic record of this nut and bolt rebuild, and a file of invoices totalling over £65,000 from CCK to substantiate this level of restoration. The car was also fitted with a genuine BMW “Batmobile” kit which included a Front Lower Air Dam, Front Wing Strakes, Rear Roof Spoiler and Rear Wing with the correct rubber tail-fin. These genuine parts were incredibly hard to find and very expensive but again illustrates the attention to detail that makes this car so special. The CSL was then treated to a total repaint in the correct shade of BMW Chamonix White at a cost of around £18,000 and finished with the correct BMW Tri-Colour side stripes.

The interior was accorded the same attention. All the wood was fully refinished, the whole interior was re-trimmed, new carpets were fitted, the door cards fully refurbished, and a set of brand new original Scheel front seats and headrests were sourced from the States, completing the perfect interior.

The underside of the car is as good as the exterior, and the engine bay is a delight with those hard to source parts like the manufacturers labels and plastic fluid bottles, looking crisp. Mechanically, everything again was replaced or reconditioned including the original engine and transmission. Brakes and suspension were replaced and a stainless steel exhaust fitted.

This lovely CSL is stunning in every respect and we welcome and encourage interested parties to come along and be impressed.

Please note the registration 2 PPG is not included in the sale.